Garmin 520 Owner's Manual

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PPENDIX

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BOUT

 FRS/GMRS R

ADIO

FRS, or Family Radio Service, is a UHF radio frequency 

band allocated by the FCC for general public use. The 

operating frequency ranges from 462.5625 to 467.7125 

MHz, with a maximum transmitting power of one half 

watt. FRS radios are small and lightweight, making them 

ideally suited for outdoor activities. You can expect your 

FRS radio to offer reliable operation at a distance of one-

mile. If the area between you and another FRS operator 

is free of obstructions, operation up to two miles can be 

achieved. FRS radios broadcast on one of 14 channels, 

each with a specific frequency within the FRS band. 
The use of FRS radios does not require a license. FRS 

was intended for use by families and small groups as an 

inexpensive means of two-way communication. FRS 

is intended for use throughout the United States, its 

territories and possessions. It may also be used in Canada. 

FRS is not approved outside of these areas and 

may interfere with local government communication 

frequencies (fire, police, etc.). 

FRS radios also include call functions, squelch codes, 

channel scan features, and voice scramble capabilities. 

Call functions allow you to push a Call button on the 

radio to alert other radios set on the same channel. This 

feature generates a call tone and is handy in a noisy 

environment where the tone is easier to initially identify 

than plain speech.
Squelch codes allow you to selectively block out other 

FRS users that are not part of your group. They will still 

be talking with others in their own group, but you will not 

hear them on your radio. They may or may not hear you 

and members of your group on their own radios. Squelch 

codes act as a filter, blocking your FRS radio from 

hearing other unwanted FRS users. Remember though, 

these are public-use frequencies and everyone has a right 

to talk or listen in.